Odalisque - Chapter 100

“The Marquis still hasn’t lost interest in me. So, if I want to leave, I have to avoid his eyes.”

As Camille said, the painter who displayed such a nude painting at an outdoor exhibition wouldn’t be able to escape the Marquis’ wrath. However, Liv didn’t think this would end as an isolated incident.

Moreover, the fact that the painter, without fear of consequences, exhibited the nude so openly suggested deep emotions were involved, whether resentment, jealousy, or something else.

Whether those emotions were directed at the Marquis or at Liv, who had gained the Marquis’ attention, was unclear. In either case, though, Liv was bound to bear the brunt of it. She would be the easier target compared to the Marquis.

Relying solely on the Marquis’ protection didn’t seem wise to Liv, as she had little trust in him. He had always been unpredictable…

As Liv contemplated this, she shook her head. Though many excuses came to mind, she realized that there was only one reason that mattered most.

“I just can’t bear it anymore… not until he loses interest in me.”

Everything had simply become unbearable for her.

Her feelings for the Marquis, the growing disappointment that came with it… it had all become too difficult to endure, and she no longer found herself able to use Corida as an excuse. She was worn out by everything and just wanted to let it all go.

“Are you sure? The relationship between the Marquis and you, Teacher Rodaise…”

“It’s not as serious as people make it out to be. He’ll be furious at first when I disappear, but he’s fickle by nature; he’ll soon tire of being angry.”

“I see.”

Camille nodded with a somber expression after confirming Liv’s lack of enthusiasm.

“Alright. I will help you.”

Thus, with Camille’s help, Liv managed to secure a man’s outfit and gather a few useful tips to escape the Marquis’ eyes and flee.

They decided on the day the Marquis would be attending the Blessing Prayer. Liv needed him to learn of her departure as late as possible, and Camille mentioned that the Marquis was set to meet with the Cardinal after the Blessing Prayer.

Since it was a special day, there would be many people gathered in all parts of Buerno, making it easier to blend into the crowd and hide.

Additionally, transportation services would be temporarily expanded for the event. More train options and shorter intervals between services were evidence of that.

Clutching Corida’s hand in anxiety, Liv reached the train station without issue on a shared carriage. She glanced up at the clock tower standing tall at the center of the station and headed towards the ticket counter.

***

“Have you informed those waiting near the train station?”

“Yes, I passed on the news immediately. They should be in search mode by now.”

It wasn’t as if those stationed had been specifically assigned in anticipation of Liv’s escape, but here they were. Should they consider themselves fortunate?

The wind struck Demus’ face fiercely as he stared ahead with cold, hardened eyes.

[Please understand the fear that I couldn’t endure, the fear that made me retreat.]

Those were the words that had been written—so pathetically hypocritical. Fear?

From the moment she started doing things she normally wouldn’t in his office, she’d likely been planning this audacious scheme. That explained why she refused the carriage and driver Demus had provided—to cover her tracks.

She thought she’d done well, but there was no way she could manage all this alone in such a short time. Surely, someone must have helped her. But who?

It didn’t take long for Demus to deduce the name of a single person.

He already knew who Liv had met before coming to his office.

“Find that Eleonore brat. Drag him before me.”

“But, sir…”

Until now, Demus had avoided doing anything drastic to Camille because of the family backing him. The Eleonore family held considerable power—enough that even someone as temperamental as Demus had to hold himself back.

Considering that he’d previously let things slide despite Camille snooping around, Demus’ order now seemed worryingly drastic. Yet, Demus ignored his subordinate’s concerns without a second thought.

“Immediately.”

Demus issued his order coolly, without even looking at his subordinate. Eleonore? What did any of that matter now?

Grinding his teeth, Demus looked off into the distance.

How dare she—how dare she!

***

The line at the ticket counter was much longer than expected.

Feeling anxious as she glanced at the long, winding line, Liv chewed her lip and scanned her surroundings. Amid the chaotic, noisy crowd, she noticed a few policemen idly patrolling. Liv tensed, her shoulders hunching instinctively.

What if the Marquis had already discovered her escape and reported it to the police? He could easily fabricate any number of charges. If that were the case, she might be caught at the ticket gate.

If Liv—rumored to be the Marquis’ mistress—was arrested by the police, people would think that she had been abandoned by him… and she wouldn’t receive any kind treatment.

This new possibility heightened her anxiety even further.

While assessing the never-shrinking line in front of her, Liv kept an eye on the policemen’s movements. They didn’t seem to be looking for anyone yet. It looked like they were only dispatched to maintain order amidst the crowd at the train station.

During this, a fight even broke out ahead. Tensions had risen among a few people in the stagnant line, and conflict erupted. The policemen, wearing faces of mild annoyance, approached the troublemakers.

“Damn it, we’ll miss the train at this rate!”

Voices of protest came from all directions, adding to the already chaotic scene at the ticket counter.

Maybe she should consider a different way now.

Liv, still looking at the long line with concern, turned her gaze. Perhaps she could catch a carriage to a nearby village outside Buerno.

But the distance wasn’t that far—if they were pursued, she’d be caught quickly. It was within easy reach for the Buerno police, meaning she’d have no chance of getting away.

While gripping Corida’s hand tightly and mulling it over, someone tapped Liv on the shoulder. It was a small touch, but it was enough to startle her badly.

“Teacher, it’s me.”

“…Teacher Marcel.”

“For now, this way.”

Camille led Liv towards the waiting room.

“I came as quietly as I could after the prayer ended, so I’m a bit late. You haven’t bought your ticket yet?”

“No, as you can see…”

Liv trailed off awkwardly, and Camille, as if anticipating this, pulled two train tickets out of his coat.

“I thought this might happen, so I got these in advance. I chose the destination arbitrarily, but if you’re in a hurry, I suggest you use these.”

“Thank you so much!”

Seeing the tickets for a train departing soon, Liv’s face lit up with relief as she thanked Camille. He gave her an awkward smile in response.

“I’ll admit there was a bit of selfish curiosity behind it too—I wanted to know where you’d be headed.”

“Oh…”

Seeing Liv’s expression, Camille pulled his hat down over his face awkwardly.

“Hurry up. Judging by the time, the train should be at the platform by now.”

“Thank you so much for your help.”

“If you arrive safely and have time to spare, please send a letter. My address hasn’t changed.”

Liv hesitated before nodding. She didn’t think she’d be able to send a letter, but Camille had helped her so much that it seemed too heartless to refuse outright.

“I hope our paths cross again.”

Leaving Camille’s parting words behind, Liv turned away. She handed the train tickets Camille had given her to the station worker. The worker, clearly exhausted by the endless stream of passengers, barely glanced at the tickets before clipping their ends and handing them back.

“Platform 3.”

After taking back her ticket, Liv looked back one last time. Camille was still standing there, watching her. She was about to wave to him when she noticed two men approaching Camille. Though they wore ordinary attire, something about them felt familiar.

Liv’s face paled as she turned sharply away.

“Corida, let’s go quickly.”

With a pale, stricken face, Liv hurriedly headed for the platform.

She could only hope that her suspicion—that those men approaching Camille were the Marquis’ henchmen, the same ones who had kept watch around her house—was wrong.